Find the top rated running trails in Independence, whether you're looking for an easy short running trail or a long running trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a running trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Earlier this year, my parents stumbled upon part of this trail and were eager to introduce it to me when I was in town for the holiday. As a new professional in the railroading industry, I was excited to enjoy one of the Rails-to-Trails in person after hearing high praise from my colleagues. The area is very well maintained with clear signage, greenery, and historical markers. Since my parents (who are in their 70s) did not feel comfortable traversing the steep incline that leads to the Hospital, we instead opted for the Crooked Creek West Trail and Deer Path. These were much more accessible due to being mostly flatter terrain and led us to the abandoned Crooked Creek Phantom Bridge of Madison, Indiana. I would love to see more historical information on display to enrich the experience. It was very cool to see parts of the rail stamped with the original mill marks of Carnegie Steel from the 1905 installation!
Pro Tip: Start at the waterfront downtown for easy parking and a better, more scenic starting point that follows the waterway.
Still closed at Cartridge Brewing but can pass through.
The trail is closed through 2024 during lake renovation. An alternate trail has been mapped out on the www.greatparks.org website.
Greatest place ever is Loveland Ohio to launch this trail. Just go and enjoy.
Nice mix of rural, suburban and city riding. Wide asphalt and lots of leafy cover. Nice bike lane in Xenia and good ice cream in Spring Valley. However, there are dozens of road crossings both city and rural where cross traffic does not stop or yield. The street/ road crossings are also very rough and you'll be on the brakes often.
I run these trails several times a week. They’re good for an easy, long run. Not good if you’re looking for challenging hills. There are exercise opportunities along some parts, areas to rest, and nice views of the river.
The trail is as beautiful as advertised. I have ridden it many times from both the Newtown, Milford, and Loveland, Ohio trailheads. Access is very easy. Lots of shops and restaurants in Loveland right along the trail. In October, 2022, the trail connector from the Newton, Ohio trailhead south to the Lunken Airport and Armleder trails was officially opened. Cyclists can now park at the airport terminal and access the trail which runs in front of the terminal, or, get on River Road and ride into downtown Cincinnati along the river.
Great trail but if you’re not a local, finding a place to jump on the trail can be tricky. Recommend Loveland. Would be great to have more hotels nearby the trail. Something to aspire to!
Please keep expanding this! Great for riding fast and not having to worry about getting hit by a car
Yellow Springs is a lively little town and we were pleased to be camped so close to be able to take advantage of it. We rode the trail from Yellow Springs to Xenia. I expected to be riding along the Little Miami river, but picked the wrong trail section. My bad. The trail is paved and runs through farm land which got a little boring for my liking. There were plenty of riders who seemed to be happy to be putting away the miles just for the sake of riding. I also had the expectation that Xenia was a ‘trail town’, but we struggled to find a place for lunch and wished we had not gone so far. We will return again and ride the river section next time.
Rode this trail north towards Middletown. Not too much fun in the direct sunshine. Wouldn’t recommend this if it’s not cloudy. We will try and hit this same trail farther north to see if it is any better. We saw nothing like the pic they show as trees weren’t around this trail at all.
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